Best time to visit Spain
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The best time to travel to Spain is between May and October. This is when it is warm and dry throughout the country. Perfect for a beach vacation with the family, but also active vacations and city trips. However, the best time to travel also depends on your personal preferences and planned activities. You can find valuable information and tips for planning your trip here.
Deborah Clauss
Travel expert for Spain
Updated on 08/26/2025
When is the best time to travel to Spain?
Due to its size and variety of landscapes, you will find different climate zones when traveling to Spain. The Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees have a major influence on the country's weather. While it can be quite cool in the mountains, the Pyrenees, and winters are long and snowy, there are large temperature differences between summer and winter in continental central Spain. In the subtropical south, summers are long and hot. Temperatures can climb above 104 °F. The best time to travel in Spain therefore always depends on the region. In general, however, the best time to travel is between May and October, as it is warm and dry everywhere. In Andalusia or Madrid, however, it can get very hot in the summer months. The Canary Islands, the islands of spring, have pleasant temperatures all year round. Perfect for a winter escape!
Recommended travel time: May - October.
Activities: Depending on the region and activity, the best time to travel may vary. For example, the months of April and May are particularly good for hiking, while midsummer is less recommended due to the high temperatures.
Important public holidays: National holiday (October 12).
Please note: There is a risk of bush and forest fires during the summer months. After the summer, heavy rainfall can cause flooding. Storms and "medicanes" can also occur in the fall.
Climate table for Spain
| Climate Table for Spain | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. Temperatures in °F | 63 | 64 | 66 | 70 | 75 | 81 | 84 | 86 | 81 | 75 | 70 | 64 | |
| Min. Temperatures in °F | 48 | 50 | 52 | 55 | 59 | 64 | 70 | 72 | 66 | 63 | 55 | 52 | |
| Sun Hours per Day | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | |
| Rainy Days per Month | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
| Water Temperature in °F | 61 | 61 | 61 | 61 | 64 | 68 | 72 | 75 | 73 | 70 | 66 | 63 |
The table shows average values based on the climate data for Andalusia, Barcelona, the Canary Islands and Mallorca.
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Due to the different climate zones, there are wonderful places to visit at any time of year. While the northern coast has an Atlantic climate with mild summers and winters, central Spain is characterized by a continental climate and the seasons vary greatly. In the mountainous regions, winters are long and cold. The south of Spain is influenced by the Mediterranean climate, with hot summers, short winters and plenty of rain in spring and fall. The best time to travel to Spain can therefore vary depending on the region and your personal preferences.
Spain in Spring
Spain in spring is a great idea! Especially in southern Spain, for example in Andalusia, the weather from March to May is perfect for hiking, city trips and round trips . The sun is shining and temperatures are rising every day - what more could you want? Spring is also an ideal time to travel to the Canary Islands. Here you can make yourself comfortable on the beach and enjoy the sun even in spring.
Spain in Summer
Spain in summer promises pure sunshine! Between June and September is the perfect time for a beach vacation. It can get really hot, especially on the south coast. The only thing that helps is a dip in the pool or a swim in the sea! On the Atlantic coast, the wind brings a little cooling. It is less hot on the Canary Islands, where you can also go hiking and mountain biking in summer. Now is also the right time for outdoor activities in the mountains.
Spain in the Fall
In Navarre and the Pyrenees, the forests change color in autumn. In the south, it is still warm in October and November and the heat is over. In Andalusia and the Canary Islands, this is a wonderful time for hiking and cycling. The grape harvest is now in full swing in the La Rioja wine region in the fall. This means that lots of wine festivals take place. Spain in the fall is also the perfect time for a city trip: Barcelona, Madrid or Seville are calling!
Spain in Winter
Winter between December and the end of February is either rainy or cold in most parts of the country. If you want to escape the winter, travel to the Canary Islands. Located off the coast of Africa, the weather here is still spring-like with warm temperatures. Ideal for hiking, swimming or lazing around. Winter is also very mild in the south of the country. Snow falls in the Pyrenees and central Spain. If you fancy snow hiking or skiing, this is the place to be.
Best time to travel to Andalusia
Coasts like the Costa del Sol, metropolises like Malaga or Seville, magnificent palaces like the Alhambra - Andalusia is undoubtedly always worth a visit. Generally speaking, the best time to visit Andalusia is between May and October. However, it can get quite hot in midsummer and thanks to the summer vacations it can get very busy. If you want to avoid this, come before or after.
Best time to visit Barcelona
Barcelona attracts visitors with the enchanted Park Güell, the impressive Sagrada Familie and the bustling la Rambla. The beach right in front of your nose, museums and restaurants always within reach. Barcelona is the perfect mix of city break and beach vacation! The best time to visit Barcelona is between May and October . But it's also worth visiting in spring and fall, when the temperatures drop a little and there are fewer people on the streets.
Best time to travel to the Canary Islands
With about 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and temperatures around 68°F year-round, it's no wonder the Canary Islands are often called the Islands of Spring. The Canary Islands are a classic year-round destination. The best time to travel there depends on what you have in mind. If you're planning a beach vacation, consider traveling between May and October. If you’re looking to escape the winter chill and just relax, visiting in the winter is a great option.
Best time to visit Mallorca
Mallorca is the island of diversity! Beautiful coastlines, delicious food, culture and - of course - partying. The best time to visit Mallorca is during the warm and dry months from April to September. In July and August, the main travel season peaks with the vacations. Then it can get a little crowded on the beach. Those who are planning an active vacation rather than a beach vacation will find good weather conditions for hiking from February to the end of May.
“Culture lovers can discover architectural gems such as the Moorish Alhambra Palace in Granada, be enchanted by flamenco in Seville, and enjoy delicious pintxos in the Basque Country. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture on guided tours!”
Deborah Clauss
Travel expert for Spain
Surfing
Are you a surfer or want to become one? In summer and fall, the waves are ideal for surfing in Spain. In summer, the waves are particularly suitable for beginners, in fall for advanced surfers. In winter, on the other hand, the warmer Andalusia is ideal. The Canary Islands offer the chance of good waves all year round.
Diving & Snorkeling
Discover Spain's underwater world: Spain has a good selection of spots for diving and snorkeling. The great thing is that Spain's different climatic conditions make it ideal for water sports all year round. The Canary Islands are particularly attractive between September and November. Then the water is still warm, the currents are weak and visibility is good. The best time on the Balearic Islands is from July to September. In Andalusia, the best time to go diving and snorkeling is from May to November.
Hiking
On foot through Spain. April and May are the best time to go hiking in Spain. It is not yet too hot in Andalusia, for example, and pleasant temperatures invite you to explore landscapes such as the Sierra Nevada. In the Pyrenees, the mountains are usually snow-free from May onwards. Otherwise, you can also go hiking here in summer.
Camping
Whether north, east, the Balearics or the Canary Islands: Camping is a good idea in Spain from May to October. In the more southerly regions, it can get pretty hot in July and August. Then you'll definitely need to find a shady spot. But cooling off in the water is always just a stone's throw away.
Roadtrip
Whether Basque Country, Galicia or Andalusia - Spain has a colorful palette of places worth seeing. You can make the most of your trip to Spain on a round trip and visit a whole range of places. In winter it is rainy or snowy, which makes a road trip rather difficult. From May to October it is warm everywhere. If you want to avoid the particularly hot and busy days during the summer vacation period, plan your road trip through Spain before June or from September.
Beach Vacation
The sun is shining, the water is warm, the ice cream in your hand is melting: summer in Spain is undoubtedly the best time for a beach vacation. It's all about having fun by the sea. Whether on the Atlantic or the Mediterranean, on the coast of the mainland or on the islands - now is the absolute peak season for sun worshippers. On the Canary Islands, the bathing season lasts longer: here you can jump into the water even in winter when it's 20 °C outside and 18 °C in the water.
Family Vacation
Family vacation in Spain? A good idea! Long beaches, shallow waters and family-friendly hotels with pools promise the perfect family vacation. Those with school-age children who rely on summer vacations will find Spain in the absolute high season. Then the weather is perfect for swimming. But it also gets very hot, especially in the south. The Easter and autumn vacations are also a good time to travel to Spain with children. It's not too hot then, perfect for exploring!
Golf Trips
Whether on the Costa Blanca, Costa de la Luz, the sunny Costa del Sol or in the south in Andalusia - Spain has a lot to offer when it comes to golfing experiences. The best thing is that golf trips in Spain are possible all year round. Especially in warm Andalusia, you can also enjoy a perfect golf vacation in winter. For the rest of the year, the warm months between May and October are ideal for golfing.
